6 Best 308 Scopes

Looking to maximize the performance of your .308 rifle? You are in the right place. This buying guide will walk you through the best 308 scopes designed to complement the cartridge’s effective range.

Known for its versatility, power, and accuracy, the .308 Winchester is a popular choice among hunters, target shooters, and tactical professionals alike. However, to fully harness its capabilities, whether you’re shooting at long distances or in low-light conditions, a high-quality scope is a must.

What Makes a Scope Suitable for the .308 Winchester?

An ideal scope for 308 Winchester offers the following features:

1. Variable Magnification Range: A scope for the .308 Winchester should offer a versatile magnification range, typically between 3-9x for hunting or 4-16x for long-range shooting.

2. Durable Build Quality: The .308 Winchester produces moderate recoil, so a suitable scope must be built to withstand repeated firing. Solid build quality also ensures the optic remains reliable in tough field conditions.

3. Optical Clarity: Furthermore, the best 308 scopes feature high-quality glass and fully multi-coated lenses that yield bright and clear sight pictures, especially in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk.

4. Crisp and Intuitive Reticle Type: Scopes for .308 should feature practical reticles such as BDC, Mil-Dot, or MOA-based reticles. These allow shooters to make quick adjustments for bullet drop and wind drift, which is particularly useful in long-range shooting scenarios.

5. Adjustment Precision: For precision shooting with a .308, the scope should have repeatable and reliable tracking to maintain accuracy over varying distances.

6. Eye Relief: Ample eye relief, typically at least 3.5 inches, is also important to protect your brow from recoil and ensure comfortable shooting. This is especially valuable when shooting from awkward positions or using heavier .308 loads.

Best 308 Scopes

1. Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm Rifle Scope

The Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm Rifle Scope is the best 308 scope. It offers an exceptional balance of versatility, optical clarity, and rugged design, making it a solid choice for both hunters and tactical shooters.

With its variable 2.5-10x magnification, this scope adapts easily to a wide range of scenarios, from close-range woods hunting to longer-range precision shots. Besides, the 44mm objective lens, combined with fully multi-coated optics and extra-low dispersion glass, delivers crisp, bright images even in low-light conditions.

Regarding construction, the scope is housed in a robust 30mm single-piece aluminum tube that provides ample room for adjustments. Furthermore, the tube is rigid enough to withstand recoil and rough handling while maintaining consistent performance.

Another standout feature of this scope is its Dead-Hold BDC reticle. It is housed in the second focal plane so it remains the same size across all magnification levels. Moreover, the eye relief is generous and the turrets are capped for protection in the field.

Pros

• Side focus parallax adjustment
• Robust body that us 100% waterproof and fog-proof
• Exceptional optical clarity
• Lightweight design
• Generous eye relief

Cons

• Non-illuminated

2. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm FFP

The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm FFP is a powerhouse optic designed for serious long-range shooters and precision rifle enthusiasts.

This rifle scope impresses with its rugged construction and tactical aesthetics. The aircraft-grade aluminum tube is built to handle tough conditions, and the hard-anodized finish adds to its durability while reducing glare.

Furthermore, the 5-25x magnification range is highly versatile, allowing for accurate target acquisition at both mid- and long-range distances. This magnification is placed on the first focal plane so the reticle maintains accurate holdovers and ranging at any magnification.

Regarding optics, the glass is exceptionally clear, and the extra-low dispersion (XD) lenses combined with full multi-coating deliver bright, sharp images even in low-light situations.

Above all, the scope remains intuitive and user-friendly despite its feature-rich design to accommodate shooters of all levels.

Pros

• Exposed tactical-style turrets that offer crisp, audible, and tactile adjustments
• Reliable zero stop mechanism
• Illuminated reticle with ten brightness settings
• Precision tracking
• Durable reliability

Cons

• Big budget

3. Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope

As one of the best 308 scopes, the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Riflescope offers exceptional performance in various shooting environments.

Crafted with Leupold’s renowned craftsmanship, the scope delivers edge-to-edge clarity and vibrant image quality across the magnification range, thanks to its high-definition lenses and proprietary Twilight Max HD Light Management System.

Moreover, the 3-15x magnification range offers a versatile balance between close-range shots and longer-range targeting, while the 44mm objective lens gathers ample light without being too bulky.

Durability is another major strength of the VX-5HD. It’s constructed from a rugged yet lightweight aluminum housing that is both waterproof and fog-proof for consistent performance in extreme weather and tough terrain.

Other handy features included are a ZeroLock CDS (Custom Dial System) elevation turret for quick and secure adjustments and a generous eye relief to ensure comfort and safety.

Pros

• High level of optical performance
• Intuitive features
• Dependable ruggedness
• Generous and consistent eye relief

Cons

• Big budget

4. Trijicon Credo HX CRHX1542 2.5-15x42mm Rifle Scope

Trijicon optics are renowned for their ruggedness and high-performance, and the Credo HX CRHX1542 2.5-15x42mm is no different.

The selling point of this rifle scope is its excellent craftsmanship. It is built with a 30mm tube and aircraft-grade aluminum housing to withstand harsh environments and recoil from powerful calibers.

Regarding magnification, the 2.5-15x magnification range makes it ideal for everything from close-range stalking in thick brush to long-range shots across open fields. Besides, the 42mm objective lens delivers bright and sharp images, aided by Trijicon’s fully multi-coated lenses that enhance light transmission, especially in low-light conditions.

Moreover, the illuminated reticle is easy to see in any lighting scenario, with adjustable brightness settings that work well even in harsh sunlight or total darkness. The scope also features crisp, tactile turrets for elevation and windage adjustments, allowing for quick zeroing and dependable tracking.

Pros

• Illuminated reticle
• User-friendly design
• Generous eye relief and consistent sight picture even at maximum magnification
• Robust body that is fully waterproof, fog-resistant, and shockproof

Cons

• Expensive for the budget buyers

5. Nightforce NX8 2.5-20X50mm 8X Hunting Scope

 

Next, we have the Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm scope. This is a top-tier optic that blends versatility, ruggedness, and clarity into one ultra-compact package.

Built to thrive in harsh hunting conditions, this scope features a broad 8x zoom range that allows quick transitions from close-quarters shots to long-range precision. Despite its compact size, the NX8 doesn’t compromise on performance.

The extra-low dispersion glass provides razor-sharp images with excellent color contrast and edge-to-edge clarity, even at higher magnifications. Besides, the generous 50mm objective lens ensures outstanding light transmission, delivering bright, clear visuals during dawn or dusk hunts.

Combined with a side parallax adjustment and an integrated Power Throw Lever, this scope offers fast and accurate target acquisition at any range.

To top it all off, the rugged build quality and precision engineering make it shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof enough to withstand rough terrain and unpredictable weather.

Pros

• ZeroStop elevation turret
• Illuminated reticle
• Lightweight profile
• Rugged build quality

Cons

• Sits at a premium price point

6. Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24X50 First Focal Plane Riflescope

The Athlon Optics Argos BTR GEN2 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescope is our last recommendation for the best 308 scopes. It offers impressive performance for mid- to long-range shooting, especially considering its price point.

One of the most notable features is its first focal plane (FFP) reticle, which allows the holdovers and sub-tensions to remain accurate at all magnification levels. Furthermore, the reticle itself is etched glass, providing durability and reliable performance even under heavy recoil.

Optically, the scope features fully multi-coated lenses that enhance image clarity and light transmission, delivering a bright and sharp sight picture even in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. Moreover, the exposed turrets are tactile and offer audible clicks for precise adjustments, with a zero stop system that simplifies return-to-zero functionality after dialing for elevation.

Build quality is another strong suit of the Argos BTR GEN2. The 30mm tube is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it rugged enough to handle challenging field environments without compromising optical performance. It’s also nitrogen-purged and sealed to ensure that it stays fog-proof, shockproof, and waterproof in various weather conditions.

Above all, the side parallax adjustment is smooth and allows for fine-tuning focus, which is essential for long-range accuracy.

Pros

• Crisp, true-to-point tracking with audible/tactile turrets and zero-stop
• Robust build that is argon-purged, waterproof, and shock-resistant
• Excellent value
• Robust features that cater to hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical users
• First-focal-plane illuminated reticle that scales accurately from 6× to 24x

Cons

• Short eye relief

Criteria for Choosing the Best 308 Scopes

When choosing the best scopes for a .308 rifle, take into account the following key factors to ensure optimal performance, precision, and reliability in various shooting conditions.

Magnification Range

First, magnification range plays a vital role. The ideal magnification depends on your intended use. Lower magnification like 3-9x is ideal for hunting or short to mid-range shooting, while higher magnification like 4-16x or beyond is suited for long-range precision shooting.

Optical Clarity

Next, optical clarity is essential. Look for scopes with fully multi-coated lenses that offer bright, sharp images, especially in low-light conditions. The best 308 scopes should also feature premium glass elements to enhance image contrast.

Durable Construction

Another critical factor is durability and construction. A .308 generates considerable recoil, so your scope should have a rugged, shockproof design to withstand recoil and repeated abuse. Furthermore, the scope should be made from high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum and be waterproof and fog-proof for reliability in different environments.

Type of Reticle

The other important thing to look at is the type of reticle the scope uses. Depending on your shooting style, you may prefer a simple duplex reticle for hunting or a more advanced BDC or MIL-DOT reticle for tactical or long-range applications. If you plan to use the scope in low light conditions, opt for a model with illumination. 

Adjustment Precision and Turret Quality

Equally important in a high-performing scope is the precision of its adjustments and the quality of its turrets. This determines how accurately and consistently you can zero in on your target or make quick corrections in the field.

Look for scopes that offer tactile and audible turret clicks, allowing you to feel and hear each adjustment clearly. This is especially valuable in high-pressure or low-visibility situations.

Eye Relief

Moreover, eye relief should not be overlooked either. Sufficient eye relief, usually 3.5 inches or more, is necessary to protect your eye from recoil and to maintain a comfortable shooting stance, with or without eye glasses.

Weight and Size

The best 308 scopes come in different sizes and lengths. The size and weight of the scope you choose should match your intended use. A lighter, more compact scope is ideal for hunting, while a heavier, feature-rich scope may be better for benchrest or tactical shooting.

Price and Warranty

Lastly, price and warranty should align with your expectations and usage. While premium scopes offer superior performance, many mid-range options provide excellent value without compromising essential features. Always consider brands with solid warranties, as they reflect the manufacturer’s confidence in product quality and offer peace of mind

Best 308 Scopes FAQs

• What magnification is best for a .308 rifle?

It depends on your shooting application: For short to mid-range hunting 3-9x or 2.5-10x will suffice. On the other hand,  you need higher magnification like 4-16x, 5-25x, or even 6-24x for target shooting or precision at mid to long-ranges.

• Do I need a first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) scope for .308?

Choosing between a first and second focal plane reticle depends on your shooting needs and preferences. Long-range shooters prefer first focal plane reticles because they provide consistent holdovers at different magnifications, while hunters or casual shooters favor second focal plane reticles for their consistent reticle size.

• Are high-end scopes worth it for a .308 rifle?

Yes, if you’re serious about long-range shooting or need maximum durability and precision. Multiple brands offer premium rifle scopes with cutting-edge optics to match the capabilities of the .308 round.

Final Thoughts